"Fruitflies in Eden" is the debut album from Waterhouse, a collaboration of leading musicians from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, formed by songwriter Mike Hallett. Though fundamentally a folk/rock band, every song is stylistically diverse with country, pop and blues influences.
The rhythm section of drums, acoustic bass and acoustic guitar is augmented by many different instruments, including electric guitar, accordion, harmonica and cello. Lead vocals are shared between producer Scotty Smith and band members Ben Throp and Sharon Coates.
The album's theme is change: the insightful lyrics address the grey areas in our lives, those times when we're shifting from one state to another and clear-cut answers are hard to find. The song 'Change' was included on the benefit CD "Rise Aotearoa - Artists in support of the New Zealand Womens Refuge".
"The strength and structure of [Mike Hallett's] songwriting is enhanced by the depth of the music and quality musicianship on the album."
- Hawke's Bay Entertainer magazine, May 2001
"The thirteen meticulously crafted tracks on Fruitflies in Eden are lush both musically and lyrically."
-Quest magazine, June/July 2001
"Hallett's emotional... and often intimate words have a universality that lifts Fruitflies in Eden above the average."
-Real Groove magazine, August 2001
"A neat little package."
-New Zealand Musician magazine, August/September 2001
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